[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned
to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
From: CHINA.
De cypher.
Mr. Howe.
(Shanghai)
8th February 1958.
D.
W/T 8th February 1938.
R.
4.30 p.m. 8th February 19:8.
No.265.
0000000
00000000
0000000
113
Tientsin telegram No.22.
We have always resisted boarding and searching of British
ships except by Customs (and one or two other departments by
special arrangement). Practice has been that police may only
board on invitation of master or on warrant endorsed by British
Reporting Officer.
I feel we shoula do our utmost to preserve this important
principle, surrender of which even in existing "exceptional
circumstances" would set up unfortunate[?gp. omtd.] Practice
would inevitably be extended to Shanghai and other ports.
I request instructions.
Addressed to Foreign office, repeated to Tokyo, Tientsin,
Peking, Commander-in-Chief.